Medications

Dextroamphetamine tablets

What is this medicine?

DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (dex troe am FET a meen) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may also be used for narcolepsy. Federal law prohibits giving this medicine to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

changes in vision

chest pain or chest tightness

confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

fast, irregular heartbeat

fingers or toes feel numb, cool, painful

hallucination, loss of contact with reality

high blood pressure

males: prolonged or painful erection

muscle twitching

seizures

severe headaches

shortness of breath

suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

anxious

headache

loss of appetite

nausea, vomiting

trouble sleeping

weight loss

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

other stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

anxiety or panic attacks

circulation problems in fingers and toes

glaucoma

hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels

heart disease or a heart defect

high blood pressure

history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem

history of stroke

kidney disease

liver disease

mental illness

seizures

suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

thyroid disease

Tourette's syndrome

an unusual or allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your doctor and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your doctor every time you need a refill.

This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dose without talking to your doctor or health care professional.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your doctor if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medicine. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.